The Mendenhall Tigers protected homefield last Friday with a 24-21 victory in their Homecoming matchup against the Harrison Central Red Rebels. The Tigers trailed for most of the game but were able to pull off the victory, thanks to some 4th quarter heroics from several players.
Head Coach Chuckie Allen said it was a much-needed win for his team after tough losses against Magee and Florence.
Allen said, “It was much need for the morale of the team. It’s the small things and I’m glad we didn’t fold. Down 21-8 in the fourth quarter, we came down, got a quick score, and defense came up with a huge stop and we were able to capitalize on it. You need those things to get better late in the season, and we’re getting ready to start district.”
The game was tightly contested in the first half, with both defenses able to make crucial stops. Linebackers Jay Page, Princeton Miller, Kendall Walker and Eddie Weathersby did an excellent job pursuing the football and making stops. The defensive front led by Joshua Davis was great at the point of attack and controlling the line of scrimmage. This led to a scoreless first quarter while both offences tried to gain their footing.
On offense the Tigers had some missed opportunities early but did a great job establishing the run. The rushing attack was led by Eddie Weatherby and Jakobe Davison. The offensive line was able to get a good push up front and open running lanes for their backs. Quarterback Ty Davis was noticeably more comfortable as the game continued and he began to rip some nice throws and get into a rhythm with his receivers.
Harrison Central was able to put together a scoring drive late in the second quarter. A big play in the passing game set up an eventual touchdown, giving Harrison Central a 7-0 lead at halftime. The Rebels rode that momentum in the second half to score another touchdown in the third quarter to take a 14-point lead.
Ty Davis led the Tigers back onto the field and put together a scoring drive to cut the deficit. The Tigers had a good mix of rushing and passing to keep Harrison Central off balance. Davison and Weathersby pounded the football as Harrison Central’s defensive line began to wear down. Fullback Bubba Drennan made His presence felt in the passing game. Drennan found himself open and picked up good yardage after the catch to move the Tigers into the red zone. Davison finished the drive by running through the middle of Harrison Central for an 18-yard touchdown. The Tigers trailed 14 to 8 at the start of the 4th quarter.
Both teams continued to swap possessions in the early parts of that last quarter. Harrison Central managed to score another touchdown and take a 21 to 8 lead with just over four minutes remaining in the game.
Ty Davis led the offense back onto the field and orchestrated an outstanding drive, completing several passes to move his team toward the goal. The Tigers moved within the red zone and Bubba Drennan finished the drive by getting open in the flats for a short catch and run touchdown. Eddie Weathersby made two defenders miss on the successful 2-point conversion, making the score 16-21.
With time ebbing away in the fourth quarter, the Tigers desperately needed a stop. The defense answered the call in the crucial situation when Harrison Central needed a first down to put the game away. The Tiger defensive line was stout and gave little running room to the Rebels, whose quarterback was in the heavy duress at each snap, and the defense was able to hold Harrison Central, forcing a punt.
Davis led the offense back onto the field with 42 seconds remaining in the game. The Tigers took over on their 48-yard line. Davis showed maturity and poise in the pocket, delivering a strike over the middle to Vincent Dixon, who ran for extra yards before dipping out of bounds to preserve time. Cameron Smith got a pass and gained yards before stepping out of bounds to move the Tigers even closer to the touchdown.
With the game on the line the Tigers singled up Henry Funchess on the left side of their formation. Funchess threatened the seams of the defense and made himself available for his quarterback. Davis stepped up in the pocket and delivered a perfect ball, and Funchess made a leaping catch, securing the pass and falling into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown. The Tigers took a 24-21 lead.
The Red Rebels had time remaining on the clockm, but Bubba Drennan quickly ended any hope they had of a comeback with a clutch interception to seal the game. It was a great effort by the Tigers to come back and win.
The Tigers open district play against Forest this Friday at home.
